Final answer:
Edgar Allan Poe's definition of poetry is encapsulated by Option A, indicating poetry as an artistic expression that combines words with rhythm and emotion to evoke deep feelings and thoughts, rather than being confined by strict structure or prose narrative.
Step-by-step explanation:
According to Edgar Allan Poe, the definition of poetry is most aligned with the concept of poetry as a form of artistic expression that combines words with rhythm and emotion. This definition is encapsulated by option A: Poe defines poetry as a form of artistic expression that combines words with rhythm and emotion to evoke deep feelings and thoughts. It is essential to recognize that Poe's perception of poetry emphasizes the creation of a profound emotional impact rather than strictly adhering to rhyme and meter. Furthermore, the beauty of poetry, as Poe saw it, comes from its capacity to resonate with the reader's soul, making it a deeply personal and subjective experience.
The essence of poetry, therefore, lies in its condensed form of writing, where every word, line, and stanza works in unison to invoke emotions, paint images, and produce an experience that transcends the literal meaning of the words. Poetry is not confined to rigid structural elements; instead, it uses aesthetic and rhythmic qualities of language to create an experience that cannot be paraphrased. This characteristic aligns with Poe's views, which suggest that the value of a poem lies in its ability to affect the reader on a sensory and emotional level. Thus, the correct option that represents Poe's definition of poetry is Option A.